Real Madrid have been held to a goalless draw in their opening match of the La Liga season against top-flight newcomers Sporting Gijon at El Molinon.

Gareth Bale had the first chance of the evening for the visitors as Luka Modric picked him out with a through-ball, but the Wales international could only put his shot in the side-netting.

Rafael Benitez's side dominated the possession throughout the opening half hour, resulting in a couple of long-range chances for Isco, but the midfielder could not force a save from Ivan Cuellar.

The Gijon keeper was needed to keep the home side on level terms before the break, though, as Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed a powerful drive, forcing a diving stop from the keeper, while Jese Rodriguez also saw his effort go straight into the stopper's hands.

The home side came closest to opening the scoring before the break, though, as Miguel Angel Guerrero got free at the near post, attempting to head in from close range, but his attempt came back off the crossbar.

Sporting were on the attack again shortly after the restart as Carlos Carmona rose above Marcelo in the penalty box to get a header away, but he could only nod it wide.

The hosts continued to cause problems for the visitors as Sergio Ramos tangled with Guerrero in the box, resulting in Gijon appealing for a penalty, but the referee was not interested.

Real started to see more of the ball inside the final half an hour as they tried to force a late winner, but Ronaldo nodded the ball wide after leaping up to meet a cross from substitute James Rodriguez, before missing the target again shortly after while attempting to flick in from a Danilo strike.

Ronaldo continued to look lively late on, with Bale carving his way through the midfield to set up a chance for the Portuguese forward, but Cuellar was alert to the danger.

The home side dropped back in the final 10 minutes as they sought to protect the clean sheet and secure the draw rather than chasing the game, but the Madrid side continued to press.

Cuellar was needed again with just five minutes remaining as Ronaldo tried to secure the three points for Real, but the keeper made another stop to keep the teams level.

The visitors had another chance deep in stoppage time when Ronaldo lined up a free kick from the edge of the box, but he blasted the set piece straight into the wall, allowing Gijon to pick up a point on their return to La Liga.